Thursday, December 24, 2009

Clarification regarding the file Notings under the Right to Information Act, revised instructions for making the procedure of reporting of ACRs more transparent, successful completion of the 3rd Round of Mandatory Mid-Career Training for IAS Officers and new guidelines for giving concessions and facilities to women employees in the Government marked the main activities of the Department of Personnel & Training under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions during the year 2009.

The major initiatives taken during the year 2009 are as under:

Supply of file notings under Right to Information Act, 2005

The Department has clarified that file noting can be disclosed under Right to Information Act, 2005 except file noting containing information exempt from disclosure under section 8 of the Act.

Revised instructions for making the procedure of reporting ACRs more transparent.

With a view to avoid procedural discrepancies of disclosure of the Performance Appraisal Reports (PAR) to the officer reported upon and to follow the time-schedule of PAR process, as envisaged in the Rules, instructions have been issued that a certificate about disclosure of PAR to the officer reported upon should be enclosed with every PAR while sending the final PAR to this Department for record.

Mandatory Mid-Career Training for IAS Officers

The 3rd round of the Training Programme was successfully completed at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Administrative Academy, Mussoorie in June this year. It may be recalled that the Government had introduced in 2007 a mandatory Mid Career Training Programme (MCTP) for IAS officers, in three different phases of 8 weeks duration. Two rounds of all the three phases were completed in the years 2007-2008.

Provision of concessions and facilities to women

New guidelines have been issued for the representation of Women Members on the various Committees/Boards concerned with selection to Group C&D posts in Central Government which make it mandatory to have one woman member in the selection Boards/Committees where lady candidates are expected to be available for service posts and also dissemination of information about vacancies for recruitment, their basic eligibility conditions through schools and colleges in that area, in additional to normal channels.

Orders were also issued by DOPT in July this year exempting women from payment of fees for competitive examinations/ direct recruitment by interview conducted by UPSC/SSC.

As part of 100 days action Plan for increasing representation of women in Central Government jobs, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways as well as Ministry of Urban Development were requested during the year to make provision of transport facilities to working women for major work places.

The Child Adoption Leave has been enhanced from 135 days to 180 days and Paternity Leave to adoptive fathers increased to 15 days.

In view of the utmost importance attached to the enhancement of women’s status in all walks of life and to enable them to lead a normal family life as also to ensure the education and welfare of the children, guidelines were issued to all Ministries and Departments to the effect that when both spouse are in same Central Service or working in same Department and if posts are available, they may mandatorily be posted at the same station. Ministries have been advised to follow these in letter and spirit.

New Pension Scheme for members of All India Service

The Pension of the members of the All India Services appointed on or after 1.1.2004 is regulated by the new Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (known as the New Pension Scheme) notified by the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs on 22-12-2003. Benefit Pension Scheme and of GPF are now not available to the members of the service appointed on or after 1.1.2004.

LTC journey for physically handicapped/disabled Government Servants or their dependent family members.

The Department of Personnel & Training has now allowed LTC journey by own car/ private taxi for physically handicapped/ disabled Government Servants or dependant family members.

All India Conference of Central Administrative Tribunal

An all India conference of Central Administrative Tribunal was held in November this year which was attended by the Chief Justice of India, Shri Justice K.G.Balakrishnan, Dr. M.Veerappa Moily, Minister of Law and Justice, Shri Pritihviraj Chavan, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Dr.Justice Mukundakam Sharma, Judge of the Supreme Court besides the Chairman, Vice Chairmen and Members of all the Benches of the CAT. The in house deliberations held at the conference included the ways for improving the efficiency of various Benches of the Central Administrative Tribunal.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Salaried-class may have to cough up more tax
Holiday/vacation travelling under new norms

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified the new rules for valuation of perquisites such as accommodation, conveyance and other benefits provided by employers to the salaried staff for calculation of tax liability.

According to the notification dated December 18, the new rules, called the ‘Income-tax (13th Amendment) Rules, 2009’, “shall be deemed to have come into force on April 1, 2009,” to replace the already abolished Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT).

Hitherto, the tax on perquisites extended to salaried employees was paid by the employer in the form of the FBT. However, with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee scrapping the levy in the Budget 2009-10 owing to the persistent demand of corporates, perks such as residential accommodation, conveyance facility and other benefits provided to employees would henceforth be added to their individual salaries for computation of personal income tax. On final count, a large section of the corporate salaried class may have to cough up more as personal income tax each year. According to the CBDT notification, the perks to be included in the taxable salary of employees — subject to specific clauses and conditions pertaining to valuation norms — include residential accommodation given by the employer, expenses incurred on motor car for official or personal use, salaries of services such as driver, gardener, sweeper, watchman, personal attendant (if paid by the employer) and concessional education provided to their children.

Apart from conventional perks such as accommodation and conveyance, other benefits such as holiday/vacation travelling, free food and non-alcoholic beverages provided by the employer, gift or vouchers received by the employee on ceremonial occasions, reimbursements for club membership and tour allowances would also come under the ambit of the new income tax valuation norms.

Till last fiscal, although the perquisites were added to the salary for computation of income-tax, the tax leviable on them — if specified as FBT — were paid by the employer and not the employee who received the benefits.

With regard to government employees, the new rules appear to be the same as were applicable before, barring the staff on deputation who may have to pay a comparatively higher amount as income-tax.
Source:The Hindu

As you return from your New Year vacation, employers will have a surprise for you. Your salary cheque will look slimmer after the deductions on all your perks for the entire year -- company car, fuel allowance, driver, accommodation, furnishings, concessional fees for kids, company funded travel and the like.

The government had announced in Budget 2009-10 that Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) on perks provided by employers would be abolished but its impact is going to kick in from next month with the Central Board of Direct Taxes issuing a notification on Friday which transfers the tax burden on the employee.

For instance, while a car of upto 1.6 litre engine capacity in the pre-FBT regime would call for Rs 1,200 tax outgo at the hands of an employee, the same is now fixed at Rs 1,800. Anything above this engine capacity would amount to a monthly tax outgo of Rs 2,400. Add Rs 900 as tax on your monthly salary bill if the company has also
provided you a chauffeur, said Kuldip Kumar, an executive director with PricewaterhouseCooper.

In case the employer has provided a car to an employee for his personal use, the entire expenses borne by the company on the running of the car and its maintenance would be liable for tax at the hands of the employee.

Accommodation, car, salary of your gardener, assistant at home, watchman, your electricity, water, club, credit card and holiday bills will all be taxed on actual expenses and as per the limit specified in the new notification.

In the FBT regime introduced by then finance minister P Chidambaram in 2005, perks were taxed to employers while fringe benefits enjoyed by employees were tax free.

Now, your club membership will be taxed to you unless it is specified in your work contract that it is for official purpose.

In fact, the CBDT notification should have come just after the Budget to make it easy for employees to spread his tax outflow over the entire fiscal. However, it has come at the fag end of the year when in the remaining three months entire tax will be calculated and deducted at source resulting in lower pay cheque for employees.
Source:The Times of India

Employees generally receive a house rent allowance (HRA) from their employers. This is a part of the salary package, in accordance with the terms and conditions of employment.

HRA is given to meet the cost of a rented house taken by the employee for his stay.

The Income Tax Act allows for deduction in respect of the HRA paid to employees. The exemption on HRA is covered under Section 10(13A) of the Income Tax Act and Rule 2A of the Income Tax Rules. It is to be noted that the entire HRA is not deductible.

HRA is an allowance and is subject to income tax. An employee can claim exemption on his HRA under the Income Tax Act if he stays in a rented house and is in receipt of HRA from his employer.

In order to claim the deduction, an employee must actually pay rent for the house which he occupies . The rented premises must not be owned by him. In case one stays in an own house, nothing is deductible and the entire amount of HRA received is subject to tax.

As long as the rented house is not owned by the assessee, the exemption of HRA will be available up to the limits specified in the relevant rules.

According to the Income Tax Act, the amount of HRA exempt is the least of: The actual amount of allowance received by the assessee in the relevant period during which the rented accommodation is occupied by him.

The amount by which the rent expenditure actually incurred by the assessee exceeds one-tenth of the amount of salary due to the assessee in the relevant period 40 percent of the salary due to the assessee in the relevant period.

To compute the amount salary means basic salary. It also includes dearness allowance if the terms of employment provide for it, and commission based on a fixed percentage of turnover achieved by the employee. The deduction will be available only for the period during which the rented house is occupied by the employee and not for any period after that.

Here is an illustration for the year 2009-10 .

Assume an assessee gets a salary of Rs 5 lakhs as basic salary and Rs 2.5 lakhs as HRA. He pays an actual rent of Rs 1.5 lakhs. In such a case, the amount of HRA exempt would be calculated as:

Actual HRA received - Rs 2.5 lakhs Excess of rent paid over 10 percent of salary i.e., Rs 1.5 lakhs less Rs 50,000 (10 percent of salary) - Rs 1 lakh 40 percent of salary (40 percent of Rs 5 lakhs) - Rs 2 lakhs As out of these Rs 1 lakh is the least, it will be allowable as a deduction from salary for the year. The balance HRA of Rs 1.5 lakhs will be subject to tax.

The deduction is allowable only for the period during which the rented accommodation is taken by the employee.
Source:The Economic Times

Subject:- Grant of the pay structure of grade pay of Rs.4600 in the pay band PB-2 to Assistants of Central Secretairiat Service.

A large number of references were received from the service Associations and individual officials of the Central Secretariat Service for upgradation of the grade pay of Assistants in the Central Secretariat. The matter after examination in the Department of Personnel and Training was referred to the Department of Expenditure
for their consideration.

2. The undersigned is directed to forward herewith a copy of Department of Expenditure O.M.No.1/1/2008-IC dated 16.11.2009 extending the pay structure of grade pay of Rs.4600 in the pay band PB-2 to Assistants belonging to Central Service with effect from 1.1.2006 for information and compliance of all the Cadre Units of CSS.

Subject:Grant of House Rent Allowance to Railway employees posted to new zones/new Divisions-Regarding.

The issue of revision of rates of Daily Allowance for engagement of retired employees on daily remuneration basis has been engaging the attention of the Board. It has now been decided by the Ministry of Railways that the following rates of daily allowance will be effective from the date of issue of the sanction.
(i) For posts in Grade(Rs.5200-20200) + GP 1800 = Rs. 300 per day.
(ii) For posts in Grade(Rs.5200-20200) + GP 1900/2000/2400 & 2800 = Rs. 320 per day.
(iii) For posts in Grade(Rs.9300-34800) + GP 4200 = Rs. 550 per day.
(iv) For posts in Grade(Rs.9300-34800) + GP 4600 = Rs. 565 per day.
(It should, however, be ensured that in each and every case of engagement of retired employees, the daily allowance + full pension should not exceed the last pay drawn)

2.The maximum age limit of 62 years is not to be exceeded during the period of engagement.

3. Other terms and conditions as stipulated vide Board's letter under reference would continue to be the same.

4. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board).

Subject:- Reimbursement of expenditure for treatment of liver transport incurred on live transplant was under consideration for some time. The Competent Authority has approved the limit of reimbursement for the treatment involving the liver transplant upto Rs.10 lakhs. The pending cases may be settled after adjusting provisional
amounts sanctioned.

In order to make the recruitment process more transparent and fair, it has been decided to hold the examination for a particular category on the same date simultaneously by all the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs). A nodal RRB has been nominated for each category. The nodal Railway Recruitment Board will issue Centralized Employment Notice on behalf of all concerned RRBs alongwith other details. Individual RRB will also issue indicative Employment Notice(s). The candidates can submit the application to any RRB but will be able to appear in the examination only at one place.

A well laid down system/procedure is already in existence for conducing recruitment to various posts in Indian Railways. Whenever any case of irregularity or complaint is received, the matter is duly investigated and based on the investigation, deterrent/preventive action is taken.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Railways, Shri E. Ahamed in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Source:PIB

Saturday, December 19, 2009

No.E(P&A)II-98/HRA-6
The General Managers/CAOs,
All Indian Railways and Production Units.

Subject:Grant of House Rent Allowance to Railway employees posted to new
zones/new Divisions - Regarding.

Subject:Grant of House Rent Allowance to Railway employees posted to new
zones/new Divisions - Regarding.

******

Attention is invited to the instructions contained in Board's letters of even unmber dated 9.3.2004, 9.8.2006, 12.12.2007 and
24.10.2008 on the above subject. As per letter dt.24.10.2008 only railway staff posted to East-Cental Railway were allowed
house rent allowance at the rates admissible at their last place of posting upto 31.8.2009.

2. The matter has been considered by the Board subsequent to issue of letter No.E(G)2008 QR1-1 dated 22.5.2009 and it
has been decided that railway employees posted to all new zones/divisions, in a uniform manner, may be allowed house rent
allowance upto 31.8.2009 on the same terms and conditions laid down in the letter dated 09.03.2004 ibid and as amended/
clarified from to time.

3. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

Friday, December 18, 2009

The All India Central Government Pensioner’ Association has urged the Union Government to bring more cities across the country under the Central Government Health Services (CGHS).

Addressing presspersons here on Thursday, association president W.S. Bhoume and secretary P.A. Karnikar said that CGHS was restricted to 22 cities across the country and those outside the purview of the CGHS had to pay hefty amounts to get medical treatment.

Mr. Karnikar said that the Union Government pensioners, who were not covered under the scheme, were getting a meagre medical allowance of Rs. 100 per month.

“Our main demand is medical reimbursement. It is usually the pensioners who require more medical attention and the Union Government pensioners do not get medical reimbursement. We want the medical allowance to be increased at least to Rs. 1,000 per month in cities which were not covered under CGHS,” he said.

He said that the association was against the introduction of any insurance-linked medical scheme for pensioners. “We want medical bills of pensioners residing in remote areas to be reimbursed,” he said.

Mr. Karnikar said that the association wanted the Government to give additional pension to pensioners after they crossed the age of 65 instead of giving additional pension after the pensioners completed 80.

He said that the maximum casualty occurred in the 65-80 age group and it was during this time that the pensioners required additional funds for medical emergencies.

Conference

He said that the two-day 62nd all-India conference of the association would be held in Dharwad from Saturday in association with the Railway Pensioners’ Association of Hubli-Dharwad, where problems of pensioners would be discussed and the next course of action decided.

S.K.Vaidya, president of the Dharwad unit of the association and co-chairman of the organising committee of the conference, said that 220 pensioners from across the country would participate in the conference.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Review of Scheme for Compassionate Appointment in the light of the 6th Pay Commission recommendations.

F.No 14014/2/2009-Estt(D)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

New Delhi, dated the 11th December, 2009

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Review of Scheme for Compassionate Appointment in the light of the 6th Pay Commission recommendations.

The modification of the existing Scheme for Compassionate
Appointment has been considered in the light of the recommendation
of the 6th CPC as contained in para 2.2.9 and 2.2.10 of its Report.
Accordingly, in partial modification of the Scheme for Compassionate
Appointment issued by this Department vide O.M.No.14014/6/94-
Estt.(D) dated gth October, 1998, as amended from time to time, it
has been decided in consultation with the Department of Expenditure
that for appointment on compassionate arounds, in exceptional
circumstat6es Government may consider- recruiting persons not
immediatelv meeting the minimum educational standards.
Government may engage them as trainees who will be given the
regular pay bands and grade pay only on acquiring the minimum
qualification prescribed under the recruitment rules. The
emoluments of these trainees, during the period of their training and
before they are absorbed in the Government as employees, will be
governed by the minimum of the - IS pay band of Rs. 4440-7440
without any grade pay. In addition, they will be granted all applicable
Allowances, like Dearness Allowances, House Rent Allowance and
Transport Allowance at the admissible rates. The same shall be
calculated on the minimum of - IS pay band without any grade pay.
The period spent in the -IS pay band by the future recruits will not
be counted as service for any purpose as their regular service will
start only after they are placed in the pay band PB-1 of Rs.5200-
20200 along with grade pay of Rs.1800.

2. The above decision may be brought to the notice of all concerned
for information, guidance and necessary action.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

G.S.R. 773(E). -- In exercise of the powers conferred by the provio to Article 309 of the Constitution, the following Corrigneda to Central Services (Revised Pay) Rules,2008 is hereby issued :-

A new entry below Sl.No.7 to be numbered as Sl.No.8 under Part XII of the Table under Section II, Part B of the First Schedule to the CCS(Revised Pay) Rules, 2008, which relates to Nursing and Paramedical Staff, shall be inserted as given below:-

Sl.No.

Post

Present Scale/th>

Revised Pay Scale*

Corresponding Pay Band - Grade Pay*

Para No.of the Report

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8.

Speech Therapist@

4500-7000

6500-10500

PB-2

4200

3.6.19

@This is applicable to only those posts of Speech Therapists in Central Government Hospitals for which the essentail educational for direct recriuts as per recruitment rules are (i) Degree or Diploma in Speech Pathology from a recognized University or equivalent, and (ii) two years experience as Speech Therapist in a Speech Therapy Centre.

Bank employees are planning to go on strike on December 16 during the Parliament Session against banking sector reforms such as privatisation of public sector banks (PSBs) and closure and merger of associate banks/other PSBs with State Bank of India. All India Bank Employees Association and the All India Bank Officers Association, which called for the strike, said bank employees and officers in public sector banks, private banks and foreign banks will observe an all-India strike on December 16.

“The strike has been called to stop the banking sector reforms such as privatisation of PSBs and the amendments in Banking Regulations Act to allow full voting rights to foreign investors in the banking sector.Source:Business Standard

Reference Note 6 of Borad's letter No.PC-VI/2008/I/RSRP/1 dated 31.10.2008 (S.No.PC-VI/41 & RBE No.162/2008), advising that the recommendations of 6th CPC regarding revised pay scale of Master Craftsman (Sr.Technician) in the Railways is to be referred to Fast Track Committee and pending decision of the Government normal replacement pay structure (viz PB-2,Grade Pay Rs.4200) would apply. Thus above category/existing Master Craftsmen (Senior Technician) would continue to be separate from that of Jr.Engineers in identical revised pay structure, asper the position already existing.

2. Consequent upon acceptance of the recommendation of the Fast Track Committee by the Government the President is pleased to decide that the above Note 6 may be read as follows:-
The category of Sr.Technician in the present (pre-revised) scale of Rs.5000-8000 placed in Revised Pay Structure Pay Band PB-2 Grade Pay Rs.4200 would continue to be operated as part of Artisan Cadre as per prescribed % age distribution separate from that of Jr.Engineers in the revised pay structure PB-2 GP Rs.4200."
This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

All India Export Promotion Council Employees Federation has sought the intervention of the Union Commerce Minister in getting the benefits of 6th Pay Commission recommendations to the employees of Cashew Export Promotion Council of India in the State. Mr D.J. Moulick, General Secretary of the Federation, said in a statement that majority of the Export Promotion Councils under the Commerce Ministry had already implemented the 6th Pay Commission and some of them had even made the arrears of payments. However, the employees of Cashew Export Promotion Council in Kochi and Kollam are not getting it.
Source:Business Line

EXPORT PROMOTION ORGANISATIONS IN INDIA

Federation of Indian Export Organisations(FIEO)- Apex body of all Export Promotion Councils/Commodity Boards/Export Development Authorities(Export Promotion Organisations) in India

As per the countrywide sample survey conducted by National Sample Survey Organisation in 1991, there were 14.56 million disabled persons in India suffering from visual, speech, hearing and locomotor disabilities. In order to bring these persons into the main stream of development and enable them to make a decent living and contribute to national life, a number of measures have been initiated in various fields. This brochure describes the facilities available in the fields of education and employment.

Who are the disabled ?

Disabled persons include the blind, the deaf, the orthopaedically handicapped, the negative lepers and the mild mentally retarded persons. (for more specific definitions, please see Appendix ‘A’).

Organisations providing facilities to the Disabled

The problem of rehabilitating the disabled is tackled at various levels – by the Central Government, State Governments, and by Voluntary Organisations. In the Central Government, the Ministry of welfare plays a major role in framing policies and programmes for the handicapped. All State Governments and Union territories in India have established Social Welfare of the handicapped. The Voluntary Sector also plays a very important role in providing welfare and rehabilitation services for the Disabled.

Educational Facilities

While the disabled children may attend the regular schools there are also special schools for the disabled children. Most of these special schools are located in Urban areas. Voluntary Organisations are taking major initiative in opening special schools in the country. The Ministry of Welfare provides financial assistance to these organisations to establish special schools. A few special schools offer vocational training in trades like tailoring, carpentry, book binding etc. There are four national institutes in the area of visual, hearing, mental and locomotor disability which organise regular programmes for the training of teachers for the training of teachers for the handicapped. The Scheme has been transferred to the Department of Education since 1982.

Under the Integrated Education Scheme for Disabled operated by the Department of Education, handicapped children are sought to be integrated in the normal school system. Hundred per cent assistance is provided to states and UTs for education of the children suffering from certain mild handicap in common schools with the help of necessary aids, incentives and specially trained teachers.

The following types of disabled children are covered under this Scheme:

(f) Actual cost of equipment subject to a maximum of Rs. 2000 per student for a period of five years.

(2) The severely orthopaedically handicapped children to bring one attendant is allowed for 10 children to bring one attendant is allowed for 10 children in a school. The attendant is given the standard scale of pay prescribed for Group ‘D’ employees in the States/U.T. concerned.

(3) Disabled Children residing in school hostel within the same institution where they are studying may also be paid boarding and lodging charges as admissible under the State Govt.Rules/Schemes. where there is no state of Scheme of Scholarship to hostlers the disabled children, income of whose parents does not exceed Rs. 5000 per month may be paid actual boarding and lodging charges subject to a maximum of Rs. 200 p.m.

(4) Severely orthopaedically handicapped children residing in school hostels may need the assistance of a helper or ayah. A special pay of Rs. 50 p.m. is admissible to any employee of the hostel willing to extend such help to Children in addition to his/ her duties.

(5) In a school in rural areas where at least 10 handicapped children are enrolled, capital cost for purchase of school rickshaw for free use of these children and expenses for Rickshaw Puller @ Rs. 300 p.m. will be provided under the scheme. In such cases, no transport allowances will be payable to the Students.

Fellowships

Junior and post-Doctoral fellowships are awarded by the U. G. C. A Post-Doctoral fellowships is of Rs. 2100 per month While Junior Fellowship is Rs. 1800 per month. The duration of a Post-Doctoral (Fellowship (P.D.F.) is two years and that of a Junior Fellowship (J.R.F.) is four years. In the third years of the ( J.R.F.) the scholar jis entitled to Rs. 2100 per month on the basis of his work done in the first two years. In addition to the monthly payment an annual contingent grant of Rs.4000 or Rs. 300 is paid to Post- Doctoral or Junior Fellow respectively .

In the case of blind scholars, U.G.C. Provides a special grant to cover the appointment of a reader. The University Grant Commission has reserved 1% of the fellowships allocated to the universities or atleast one award per year to the handicapped persons.

Facilities in Employment

Several facilities have been provided to handicapped persons in the field of employment by Central as well as state Governments so that these people may become independent. Some of them are as follows:

1.Ministry of Welfare has made an in-depth study of various jobs done in Government Offices and Public Sector Undertakings. The study has identified about 1100 jobs suitable for handicapped persons. Physical requirements needed have also been identified. A number of jobs under Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ are there that can be done by handicapped persons. There are instructions by the Govt. that in these jobs disabled persons should be given preference. The list of identified jobs is available in the Publication “Brochure on reservations and Concessions for Physically Handicapped in Central Government Services” brought out by Ministry of personnel, Public Grievance and Pensions. Department of Personnel and Training.

2. The Govt. of India has reserved 3% of Vacancies in Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ posts in the Central Government Services against ‘identified jobs’ one per cent each of the blind, the Deaf and the Orthopaedically handicapped. Some public Sector Under takings such as Banks. Railways also follow this Most of the States have also 3% reservation while other States have their own reservation policies.

3.Upper age is relaxable upto 10 years for appointment to Clerical and Subordinate Cadre posts.

4. Physically Handicapped persons who are otherwise qualified to hold Clerical posts and who are certified as being unable to type have been exempted from typing qualifications.

5.In the Case of holders of Group ‘C’ Group ‘D’ posts who have been recruited on basis and who are handicapped may be given postings as far as possible near their native places within the region. Requests from physically handicapped employees for transfer to or near their native places may also be given preference.

6. In Banks relaxation in minimum educational qualification has also been provided , for Clerical cadre the minimum educational requirement for physically handicapped person is IInd Division in Matric or IIIrd Division in Higher Secondary Examinations.

7. University Grants Commission has instructed Universities with regard to recruitment of the physically handicapped – when qualified blind persons are available for appointment of teaching posts in the University / Colleges. They should not be ignored because of their handicap.

They should be employed for tutorial work in certain subjects.

These persons should be given preference for appointment in the teaching music.

Self Employment

Government of India has introduced several other schemes to promote employment/self-employment among disabled population – Government provides assistance to Voluntary Organisation for training and Sheltered workshops. Banks Provide loans at low interest rates to promote Self-employment. Certain Categories of handicapped are allotted public telephone booths and other types of shops such as tea stalls.

The Ministry of Petroleum, Chemicals and Fertilizers provides reservation in dealership/distributorship in the agencies of public Sector Oil Companies. This relaxation is as follows:

(i) Physically handicapped . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 ½ %

(ii) Defence personnel who are permanently or severely disabled due to war or while on duty 7½ %

Other Facilities

The handicapped persons under Govt. Services are provided conveyance allowance as per rules.

Institution that are importing equipment and apparatus for education and training of the handicapped are exempted from Custom duty including the braille wrist watches.

Residential houses are allotted to the handicapped persons who are in Govt. service on a priority basis. The Delhi Development Authority has reserved 5% of shops, 10% residential plots and 1% flats in each housing scheme for the disabled persons.

Concessional tickets are available to these persons for travelling by rail or by Air. Persons having their own vehicles are exempted from paying road tax and petrol is provided on Concessional rates.

Ministry of Welfare provides assistance to disabled persons for purchase and fitting of aids and appliances for their physical rehabilitation in order to increase their capacity to participate in economic activities.

Some Specialized Institutes working for Rehabilitation of Handicapped

The Central Government has established four national institutions-----

(i) The National Institute for Visually Handicapped, Rajpur Road, Dehradun.

(ii) The National Institute for the Orthopaedically Handicapped, B.T.
Road, Bonhoolgy, Calcutta.

(iii) The National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped Manovikas
Nagar, Benrempaly, Secunderabad, A.P.

(iv) The National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped, K.C. Marg,
Bandra, Bombay.

These Institutes are responsible for manpower development, growth of Suitable service models, research, development of educational and vocational aids at low cost to help the disabled. They also serve as premier information and documentation centers in their respective areas of disability. They also operate their evaluation and training Center for Adult Blind at Dehradun offers training in a wide range of crafts such as Radio Egg. Light Egg. Chair Canning, Weaving, Soap making etc. Some of these Institutes also have sheltered workshops where employment can be provided to a limited number of Handicapped persons.

Besides, there are several other national bodies that are looking after the training and service programmes for the handicapped. Some of these are – All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bombay; All India Institute of Rehabilitation and Artificial Limbs, Madras; The National Institute for Physically and Orthotic Training, Bhubaneswar, etc. There are several Rehabilitation Service Centers also engaged in research activities. Some important Centers are-

(i) All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.

(ii) Sawai Man Singh Hospital, jaipur.

(iii) Medical College, Trivandrum.

(iv) Regional Artifical Limb Centre, Lucknow.

(v) St. Martha’s Hospital, Bangalore.

(vi) National Institute for Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore.

(vii) Nair Hospital, Bombay.

(viii) P.G. Hospital, Calcutta.

(ix) Artificial Limb Manufacturing Corporation, Kanpur.

District Rehabilitation Centres

In order to serve disabled in rural areas, Govt. has set up District Rehabilitation Centres. Under the Scheme each Village Consisting of 1000 people has been assigned a village rehabilitation worker to identify the needs of disabled persons. For a cluster of 20 to 30 villages a primary Rehabilitation Assistant is being appointed and a block consisting of about 1,50,000 people a primary Health Centre works to assist handicapped in getting Vocational training, appropriate education and employment. It also helps the disabled to get aids and appliances. In this hierarchy, there is a District Rehabilitation Centre over a population ranging from 1 to 1.5 million. The Regional Training Centres in the State or region serve as the Referral Centres from the DRC. These Centres provide advanced physical restoration, Vocational Counseling and professional manpower training Services. Presently DRCs are functioning at Bhiwani (Haryana), Bilaspur (M.P.), Changalpath (T.N.), Jagdishpur (U.P.), Kharakpur (West Bengal), Kota (Rajasthan), Mysore (Karnataka), Sitapur (U.P), Vijayawada (A.P), Virar ( Maharashtra) , Bhubaneshwar ( Orissa).

Vocational Rehabilitation Centres

Seventeen VRCs for the Handicapped are functioning at Ludhiana, Delhi, Kanpur, Calcutta, Jabalpur, Jaipur, Baroda, Ahmedabad, Madras, Bombay, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Bhubaneshwar, Guwaahati, Agartala and patana (List Appendix B). The main purpose of these Centres is to assess the residual Capacity of the physically handicapped and recommendoccupations suited to them. VRCs also arrange for their training in industries as apprentices and in other training institutions. These Centres also provide placement services. The five categories of Handicapped persons – the Deaf, the Blind, Orthopaedically Handicapped, Mildly retarded and Negative Leprosy persons may avail the services provided by VRCs. Some training Workshops on trades such as Radio Assembly, Metal, Commercial, Carpentry, Tailoring are also functioning at VRCs to provide training and evaluate skills possessed by an individual. The individuals get a stipend of Rs. 100 during evaluation period of month. No fees is taken from the candidates for evaluation and other services provided by these Centres. Assistance is also available for procuring financial aid for purchase of Artificial limbs and other aids. Centres also provide help in setting own ventures in terms of arranging finances, allotment of shops, telephone booths etc. 17 Vocational Rehabilitation Centres are functioning under DGE&T, Ministry of Labour. The rehabilitation services have been extended to the handicapped living in rural areas. This is done through Mobile camps and 11 Rural Rehabilitation Extension Centres (RRECs) set up in 11 Blocks under 5 VRCs situated at Bombay, Calcutta, Kanpur, Ludhiana and Madras.

The Voluntary Organisations

A large number of Voluntary organisations has sprung-up in recent years for the Cause of handicapped persons. As per the Directory published by the Instt. for the Physically Handicapped, New Delhi. There are about 8000 such institutions. About 80 per cent of these organisations are located in Andra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Delhi. A large majority of the Organisations are in the big cities.

SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGES

Special Employment Exchanges have been established in some State Capitals and special Capitals and Special cells in other employment exchanges. These exchanges exclusively register physically handicapped persons seeking jobs. They also arrange for their placement both in public and private sector. The number of special Employment Exchanges in India is 23 while the number of special cells in ordinary exchanges is 55.

APPENDIX ‘A’

DEFINITIONS OF DISABILITY OF VARIOUS CATEGORIES

(1) The Blind –

Suffering from either of the following:

A. Total absence of sight.

B. Visual acquity not exceeding 6/60 or 20/200 (snellen) in the better eye with correcting lenses.

C. Limitation of the field of vision substanding an angle of 20 degree or worse.

(2) The Deaf-

The deaf are those in whom the sense of hearing is nonfunctional for ordinary purposes of life. They do not hear / understand sounds at all events with complified speech . The cases included in this category will be those having hearing loss more than 90 decibles in the better ear (profound impairment) or total loss of hearing in both the ears.

(3)The Orthopaedically Handicapped-

The OH are those who have a physical defect or deformity which causes interference
with normal functioning of bones, muscles and joints.

(4)The Negative Lepers:

Cured and non-infunctions leprosy Patients.

(5) The Mild Mentally Retarded-

Those having an I.Q. varying from 51 to 70 can develop social and communication, Skills, can learn academic skills approximately upto 6th grade level, can achieve social and vocational skills adequate to minimum self support , needs assistance under usual social or economic stress.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The first National Anomaly Committee meeting was held on 12th December 2009 under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Per.).

The staff side explained the Agenda items. The Chairman assured that the staff side greivience would be settled.

Next National committee of JCM would meet on 16/01/2010

One of the National Council Member and Secretary General of Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers has writtern in his website the complete detail of Discussion and Decisions. We reproduced the complete text as given below:

The first meeting of the National Anomaly Committee was held on 12th December, 2009. Secretary (Personnel) chaired the meeting. On behalf of the Confederation, Com. S.K. Vyas, President and Com. K.K.N. Kutty Secretary General attended and participated in the discussion. In the opening remark, Com. Umraomal Purohit drew the attention of the Chairman of the non-functioning of the Departmental Councils in various departments and the consequent non setting up of Departmental Anomaly Committees. He also raised the issue of the order of the DOPT defining the term Anomaly, which was at variance with the one given in 1997. He recalled the discussion he had with the official side in the matter when it was agreed that the definition of the term would be the same as was in the order of 1997. Responding to the remarks made by the Staff Side Secretary, the Chairman said that his office would take steps to ensure the functioning of the JCM at all levels and informed the meeting that the National Council of the JCM would meet on 16th January, 2009 and the notice therefore has already been issued. On the question of anomaly, it was informed by the Chairman, that all efforts would be taken to address all questions of anomaly and resolve them. The official side clarified that all questions of disparity in relativities would also be addressed except on those on which the 6th CPC has gone into and taken decision enumerating reasons. The Chairman asked the staff Side to bring to the notice of the DOPT/DOE of all those items which stand rejected by the concerned Departmental Anomaly Committees taking shelter under the extant definition.

We now reproduce the items which were discussed and the decisions arrived on each of them.

The item Nos. 1 to 4 and 5(iii)(iv) and 7 were grouped together and discussed as they were identical in content. For the sake of convenience, we reproduce item No. 3 which covers all the above mentioned items.

Fixation of Pay in Revised Pay Scale

The VI CPC in para 2.2.19 (vii) has indicated that where prerevised pay scales have been merged it has been done by extending the existing minimum prescribed for the highest pay scale with which the other scales are being merged. Accordingly it has also been stipulated in 7(1) (A) of the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 that if the minimum of the Revised Pay Band / Pay Scale is more that what is determined by multiplying the existing basic pay as on 1.1.2006 by a factor of 1.86 and rounding of the resultant figure to the next multiple of 10, the pay shall be fixed at the minimum of the revised Pay Band / Pay Scale. Note 2B below Rule 7, ibid and illustration 4B given in the Explanatory Memorandum to the Revised Pay Rule apply to cases of merger of Pay Scales. Note 2 B states that pay in the revised Pay Bands will be fixed in the manner prescribed in accordance with Clause (A) (i) And clause (A) (ii) of Rule 7. In illustration 4B a case of an employee in the pre revised pay scale Rs.5000-8000 drawing Rs.5600 as on 1.1.2006 in the pay scale of 6500-10500 has been indicated with which the pay scale of Rs.5000-8000 stands merged.

Taking these into account the pay in the Pay Band in the case of all employees in the Pay Scales of Rs.5000-8000 and Rs.5500-9000 has to be fixed at Rs. 6500 multiplied by 1.86 i.e. Rs.12090. The fixation tables for pay scales 5000-8000 and 5500-9000may therefore be modified fixing the pay in the pay band at Rs.12090 wherever it is less than that amount.

Illustration 4B in the explanatory memorandum to the Revised Pay Rules 2008 may be modified as under:-

Decision:
The Staff Side pointed out that what has been recommended by the 6th CPC in Para 2.2.19(vii_ in respect of fixation of minimum pay in the Pay band for merged pay scales had not been taken into account while computing the pay band and the table. After some discussion, the official side stated to have a re-look into the matter.
Item No. 5(i)
On Revised Pay Rules. 2008

(i).Option
It has been mentioned under sub rule 4 thereof that the option once exercised shall be final and should be exercised within three months from the date of notification of the rule vide Sub rule I thereof. Since it is very difficult to comprehend and assess the implication of such option, we propose that the first option exercised within three months may not be treated as final and the employees be permitted to revise the option within six month of the date of exercising the first option.

Decision.
The official side has agreed to allow another option. The Side Side also pointed out during the discussion that the option exercised by the officials under F.R. 22(I)(A(1) on promotion has been restricted to only first promotion, which appears to be unreasonable. The official side has agreed to examine whether the above option can be allowed to cover all promotions.

Item No. 5(ii)
(ii). Special allowance and qualification pay which are taken for fixation purposes on promotion should be doubled with effect from 1.1.2006 and not from 1.9.2008 as it cannot be construed to be an allowance. If this is not done, senior employees will suffer loss in emoluments, in case of persons who are promoted during the period between 1.1.2006 and 1.9.2008.
It was pointed out that the item relating to 5th CPC is still pending at the Standing Committee. The Official Side stated that the item would be covered when a decision is taken on the item relating to 5th CPC.

Item No. 5(vi)
(vi) Rule 9. Date of next increment
It is seen after going through the stipulation in the above rules that a person whose increment falls on 1.1.2006 will get the increment on 1.1.2006 in the pre revised pay scale and will get the next increment in the revised pay structure on 1.7.2006 i.e. on expiry of six months. Similarly those, whose next increment is between 1st July, 2006 and 1st December, 2006 would also be granted next increment in the revised pay structure on 1.7.2006. On the other hand, the persons whose increment dates are between 1st Feb. 2006 and 1st June 2006 have to wait for more than 12 months to get the next increment on 1.7.2006. This is quite anomalous. In the case of those who retire during the period between 1st Feb. and 30th June, they will suffer a loss of one increment perpetually thus affecting their pension. It is, therefore proposed that the persons whose increment falls between 1st February and 1st June, 2006 may be given one increment on 1.1.2006 as a one time measure.

The official side agreed to issue orders to cover those in service between 1.1.2006 and 1.7.2006 as a one time measure. The Staff Side however, pointed out that they have made the suggestion for a one time measure on the specific understanding that Rule 9 of the Revised Pay Rules 2008 has no applicable in the fixation of increment date in future as in those cases, the Fundamental Rules will have the application. The Official side was of the opinion that the Revised Pay Rules will override the provisions of the Fundamental Rules. The Staff Side then contended that the increment of an official cannot be postponed except on award of a penalty after initiation of the disciplinary proceedings. The official side after some discussion agreed to reconsider the issue in the light of the contention made by the Staff Side.

Item No. 5(vii).
(vii). Tax deduction from salary:
Spread over of the arrears of salary is permissible under section 89 (a) of the I.T. Act. No tax will thus become payable by Group D employees on account of receipt of arrears eventually. Therefore, executive instructions may be issued not to deduct any tax from the arrears payment pertaining to the Group D employees. In respect of others, they may be allowed to exercise option to tax the arrears either on receipt basis or accrual basis.

Decision .
Since the arrears have all been paid after deduction of tax, this item was not pressed.

Item No. 5(vii)Temporary Status Casual Labourers
As per existing scheme the employees who are afforded temporary status are paid the wages computed with reference to the minimum of the corresponding scale of pay of regular employees. In the case of Group D temporary status employees, it will become necessary that they are afforded the requisite training if they are non- matriculates.

Decision.
Orders would be issued in the case of temporary status employees. In the case of those who died /retired between 1.1.06 and 1.9.2008 grant of grade pay of Rs. 1800 without training was raised by the Staff Side. It was agreed that the Govt. would take a decision in their case favorably.

Item No. 6.
Benefit on promotion.
It is an accepted proposition that an employee when promoted to a higher post involving higher responsibility should get a suitable raise in his salary. It was on this consideration that FR 22-C was framed whereby the promotee was first granted an increment in the lower Pay Scale and then fixed at the appropriate (next) stage in the higher grade.

At the time of V CPC it was agreed that minimum increase in salary on promotion shall not be less then Rs.100/- There are certain grades in which, on promotion, a hike of Rs.650/- is being allowed with reference to pre-revised pay scale.

In these circumstances grant of only one increment in the lower Pay Band / Pay scale and difference in grade pay, if there be any, being granted on promotion is certainly inadequate. We therefore propose that minimum benefit on promotion should not be less than 10% of the Pay+Grade Pay of the feeder post.

Decision:
The official side stated that the above item was not covered under the definition of anomaly. However, after some discussion, it was agreed that the official side would further discuss the issue outside the forum of the Anomaly Committee.

Item No. 7.
Fixation of pay on promotion.
The minimum Entry pay with Grade Pay in the revised pay structure for direct recruits appointed on or after 1.1.2006 has been specific vide first Schedule, Part –A, Section II of the Gazette Notification of the Govt. of India, Ministry of Finance No. G.S.R. 622 (E) dated 29.8.2008.

On promotion, the pay of the promotees should not be less than the direct recruits.
In VI CPC structure there is no pay scale and new concept of grade pay has been inducted, which should determine the status. As such the following provisions need to be inserted below clarification 2. 'The method of Fixation of Pay on promotion on or after 1.1.2006.
"on promotion to the higher grade pay of an employee should be fixed appropriately and in any case it should not be less than the entry Pay in the revised pay structure for direct recruits appointed on of after 1.1.2006 for the post." further, on promotion to the next higher grade pay an employee should be fixed by adding 10% of pay, plus the grade pay as demanded by NC/JCM in its memorandum submitted to the Chairman, NC/JCM/Cabinet secretary on 8.4.2008.

Decision.
The Official Side agreed to issue enabling orders in the matter.

Item No. 8.
Refixation of pension/family pension.
Para 9 of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension's O.M. No. F.No. 38/37/08-P&PW (A) dated 1.9.2008 states as under:-
"The consolidated pension / family pension as worked out in accordance with provisions of para 4.1 above shall be treated as final basic pension with effect from 1.1.2006 and shall qualify for grant of Dearness Relief sanctioned thereafter.".

This has left uncovered the provision made in para 4.2 of the same OM, which lays down as under:-
"The fixation of pension will be subject to the provision that the revised pension in no case, shall be lower than fifty present of the minimum of the pay in the pay band plus the grade pay corresponding to the pre-revised pay scale from which the pensioner had retired. In the case of HAG + and above scales, this will be fifty percent of the minimum of the revised pay scale."

Since refixation of pension has been allowed both under paras 4.1 and 4.2, they should both he covered in para 9 of the OM. It is requested that para 9 of the said OM may be revised including both paras 4.1 and 4.2 thereof.

Item. No. 9.
Anomaly in pension for Government Servants who retired/Died in harness between 1.1.2006 and 1.9. 2006
The Sixth Central Pay Commission lays down inter-alia that once an employee renders the minimum pensionable service of 20 years, pension should be paid at 50% of the average emoluments received during the past 10 months or the pay last down, whichever is more beneficial to the retiring employee.

As per the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension O.M. F.No. 38/37/08-P&P(W)(A) dated 2nd September 2008, these orders shall come into force with effect from the date of issue of this OM, namely 2nd September 2008 and shall be, applicable to all Government Servants becoming entitled to pension after rendering the minimum qualifying service of 20 years or on completion of 10 years qualifying service in accordance with rule 49(2) of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972.

However, the Govt. servants who have retired on or after 1.1.2006 but before the date of issue of this OM (2.9.2008) have been debarred from this benefit. They will be governed by the rules/ orders which were in force immediately before coming into effect of these orders. In other words their pension will be calculated on average emoluments received during the last 10 months and not on the actual pay last drawn. It is requested that this discrimination should be removed.

Decision.
Orders are under issue. The Staff Side raised the inordinate delay in fixing the revised pension and disbursement of arrears to pensioners. The official side assured to monitor the payment of arrears to pensioners. The refusal on the part of many banks to issue the due and drawn statement even on requisition was also brought to the notice of the Chairman. The Director (Pension) assured that suitable instructions would be issued in this regard to all Banks.

Item No.10.
Commutation of pension.
The minimum period of service for eligibility for pension is 10 years. For appointment to Government Service the minimum age is 18 years. In view of this, if a person is appointed at the age of 18 years he cannot become eligible for pension unless he has served for a period of at least 10 years and attained the age of 28 years i.e. when his birthday falls in the 29th years.

The table adopted a per the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension's OM No. 38/37/08-P&PW (A) dated 2.9.2008 shows the minimum age of next birthday after retirement as 20 which is not understood. It is requested that suitable amendment to the table referred to may be notified.

The item was withdrawn by the Staff Side.

Item No.11 to 14. These items were deferred for discussion at the next meeting.

Item No.15.
Parity in pension of all pre 1996 retirees with those who retired on or after 1.1.2006

The Government have already accepted in principle that there shall be parity in pension amongst pensioners irrespective of the date from which they had retired.
Accordingly pension of all pre 1986 retirees was revised with effect from 1.1.96 by first determining the notional pay which would have been fixed as on 1.1.86 (treating as if the employees were in service on that date) and then the Notional Pension was updated by applying the same fitment formula which was applied to serving employees.

We, therefore demanded that the notional pay of all pre 1996 retirees may be fixed as on 1.1.96 in terms of Revised Pay Rules, 1996 and the notional pension as on 1.1.96 may be revised w.e.f. 1.1.06 by applying the same fitment formula which is applied in the case of serving employees i.e. by multiplying the notional pension as on 1.1.96 by 1.86 + the Grade Pay of the Pay Scale (V CPC) from which they would have retired.

The revision of pension has been done by applying the formula of Basic Pension as on 1.1.96 + Dearness Pension (50% of Basic Pension) + Dearness Relief on Basic Pension + Dearness Pension+40% of Basic Pension.

This is not the same that has been granted to serving employees. In whose case the Grade Pay which is the fitment benefit is 40% of the maximum of the Pre-revised Pay Scale.

As such the Pensioners should also be granted 50% the of Grade Pay of the Pay Scale from which they had retired by way of fitment benefit and not 40% of Basic Pension.

Decision.
The Staff Side pointed out that the 6th CPC in order to maintain the existing modified parity between the present and future retirees had indicated that it would be necessary to allow the same fitment benefit as is being recommended for the existing Government employees vide para 5.1.47 in page 338. However, the Commission recommended that all past pensioners should be allowed fitment benefit equal to 40% of the basic pension. The statement and the recommendation made to give effect to the statement was at variance giving rise to anomaly and disparity in pension entitlement between the past pensioners and the future pensioners. After detailed discussion, the official side agreed to consider the issue once again.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Staff Side took up the matter concerning non representation of Postal Federations in the National Council as some members of a Federation which could not muster even 5% membership had been approaching one court or the other in a bid to delay the verification process and consequent recognition of the Associations and Federations in the Postal Department. As it would be a never ending process, the denial for the unions who had mustered more than 75% of the membership representation in the National Council would be a miscarriage of justice, the Staff Side added.. The Director (SR) of the Postal Department, who had represented the Postal Department in the official side agreed with the contention of the Staff Side and reported to the Chairman, that they had granted adhoc recognition to the Unions who had mustered the requisite membership and the Department Council had also been convened and met on adhoc basic. The question of granting of representation to the representatives of the Staff in the National Council had been referred to the Department of Personnel and their advice in the matter was being solicited. The Chairman assured the Staff Side to look into the matter and take appropriate decision soon.

The denial of revised higher Grade Pay to Master Craftsmen of Workshops in MMS in the Postal Department, while affording the same to those in Railways and Defence was also raised by the Staff Side. The Department of Expenditure pointed out that they had not received any reference from the Postal Department in this matter, whereas the official side representative of the Postal Department stated that they had referred this matter to them earlier. After some discussion, it was agreed that the Department of Expenditure and the Postal Department would sort out this matter expeditiously.

This Department in OM No.AB1401716112008-Estt(RR) dated
24.3.2009 issued the guidelines for amendment of Service
RuleslRecruitment Rules for incorporating the changes arising out of 6th
CPC recommendations.

2. The 6th CPC have also recommended for bringing uniformity in
eligibility criteria across various organized Group A Services for
promotions. The issue has been examined and in the light of these, it has
been decided that the following steps to amend the existing Service Rules
shall be undertaken on priority basis:

(i) For promotion to SAG level, the eligibility requirement shall be
" Officers in the JAG with 8 years' regular service in the grade
including NFSG OR Officers with 17 years' regular service in Group
'A' posts in the service out of which atleast 4 years' regular service
should be in the JAG (including service rendered in the NFSG of the
JAG."

(ii) For promotion to HAG level, the eligibility requirement shall be
" Officers in the SAG with 3 years' regular service in the grade OR
Officers with 25 years' regular service in Group 'A' posts in the service
out of which atleast 1 year' regular service should be in the SAG."

3. The cadre controlling authorities of the various Organized Group A
Services may initiate action for appropriate amendments in the Service
Rules.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will be taking up indigenous development of Medium Altitude Long Endurance, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) against confirmed Qualitative Requirements (QRs) to meet Tri-Services requirements. The UAV has been named RUSTOM-H. Indian Industry would be the development-cum-production partner for this programme. The project is proposed to be completed in 78 months after formal sanction.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Prabodh Panda and Shri MB Rajesh in Lok Sabha today.

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) is providing cashless comprehensive health care services including advance super speciality and tertiary care benefits to ESI beneficiaries. To further fine tune delivery of advance health benefits i.e. super speciality and tertiary care, ESIC has taken the following steps:-

ESI Corporation is bearing the total expenditure on provisions of super speciality services including diagnostic services directly w.e.f. 01.08.2008.

Tie up arrangements for super speciality and advanced tertiary care services are made directly by ESI Corporation in the States with reputed Government and private medical institutions.

While making tie up arrangement, it is ensured that all areas where Insured Persons (IPs) are concentrated are covered and they are not required to travel long distances and advanced health facilities are available at the nearest possible location.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shri Harish Rawat in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

In protest against non-acceptance of their demand of One Rank One Pension, some of the ex-servicemen surrendered their medals. Nine cardboard boxes full of medals have been received.

A Committee was set up under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary to look into the issue of One Rank One Pension and other related issues. After considering all aspects of the issue, the Committee did not find it administratively feasible to recommend One Rank One Pension, as such. However, keeping in mind the spirit of the demand several other recommendations to substantially improve pensionary benefits of Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR) and Commissioned Officers have been made, which have been accepted by the Government:-

i) Bringing parity between pension of pre and post October 10, 1997 PBOR pensioners.
ii) Inclusion of Classification Allowance of PBOR from January 01, 2006.
iii) Further improving PBOR pensions based on award of GOM, 2006.
iv) Removal of linkage of full pension with 33 years from January 01, 2006 in respect of Commissioned Officers.
v) Revision of pension of Lt. General pension after carving out a separate pay scale of Rs. 69000 - 79000.
vi) Broad banding of percentage of disability/war injury pension for pre January 01, 1996 disability/war injury pensioners.
vii) Removal of the cap on war injury element of pension in the case of disabled pensioners belonging to Category E, which have also been accepted by the Government.

Two of the recommendations at SI. No. (ii) and (iv) have since been implemented through a Govt. letter dated October 10, 2009. Other recommendations are at different stages of implementation. Since the issue on which ex-servicemen have been protesting has been substantially addressed by the Committee, the Government expects them to honour their hard earned medals.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Shri MM Pallam Raju in a written reply to Dr Murli Manohar Joshi and Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh Alias Lalan Singh in Lok Sabha today.

Scores of pensioners covered under Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) in the capital are seeking a lasting solution to their travails concerning frequent denial of medical treatment by corporate hospitals. Many believe that a system of extending advance to private hospitals during the time of admission is the only way to address their problems.

With corporate hospitals denying admissions to retired CGHS beneficiaries, retired employees are forced to spend hard earned money from their pockets. The CGHS authorities are delaying payment of medical bills to private hospitals, which in turn refuse to admit CGHS pensioners till their bills are cleared.

In the tussle between CGHS and corporate hospitals, hapless pensioners are sufferers. “Government has to pay medical bills in advance to private hospitals like they do to employees who are still actively working in various departments,” demands Vice-president of A.G Office Pensioners Association G. S. Vittal. Working employees in Government Departments receive 80 per cent of their medical bills in advance during the time of admission to any corporate hospital. Usually, an estimate of the medical bill is sent from the private hospital to the employee’s department and 80 per cent of the estimated medical bill is released to the hospital immediately.

“When authorities can pay advance medical bills for working employees then why can’t they do the same for us?” Mr. Vittal asks. Every year, since 2007, the 30,000 pensioners and their families, covered under CGHS scheme, are facing the problem of denial of admissions by corporate hospitals because of non-payment of medical bills.

Pensioners suggest that authorities could also reserve few beds for them at private or even government hospitals. “We are not demanding that we get treatment only at private hospitals. We are open to get admitted to Gandhi or even Osmania General Hospitals if CGHS authorities reserve some beds exclusively for CGHS beneficiaries,” points out General Secretary of All Pensioners and Retired Persons Association Laxmi Narayana.
Source:The Hindu

The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) scam is getting bigger with each passing day. The scam — which already runs into several crores — saw an important development late on Friday night when the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of

crime branch arrested Navin Uppal, the owner of two medicine stores at Bhagirath Place. The scam, say officials, is already worth Rs 8 crore. ‘‘Ever since the crime branch raided his stores, Navin has been absconding. With his arrest, we hope to know the names of others involved in this racket. Total seizures so far have been over Rs 12 lakh, many more will follow,’’ said Neeraj Thakur, additional commissioner of police (crime).

Cops had earlier sealed the two shops. ‘‘We took the court’s permission and raided the store. We have confiscated drugs worth over Rs 6 lakh in this raid. The drugs were for poor government servants under the CGHS scheme,’’ said an SIT official.

Crime branch sources indicated this was just the tip of the iceberg. ‘‘What began as an investigation into irregularities at Ambedkar Hospital has now spread across other city hospitals. We will look into the role of a number of shopkeepers, doctors and senior CGHS officials. Some of them have sent their children abroad for education which they wouldn’t have been able to afford normally,’’ added the officer.

The crime branch had earlier arrested four persons on charges of pilfering medicines and equipment meant for CGHS dispensaries and selling them on the open market. Two of the arrested were CGHS employees.

Sources said police have already seized pilfered items worth over Rs 8 lakh. On a tip-off that various top-end, life-saving medicines and other equipment meant for CGHS dispensaries in east Delhi were being pilfered and disposed of in connivance with some private medical shop owners, SIT had registered a case of pilfering on December 5.

‘‘The team arrested two CGHS employees after they were found supplying drugs to the racket. The accused have been identified as Revati Prasad Sharma, a storekeeper at Vivek Vihar CGHS dispensary and Mithun Tyagi, a computer operator from Ghaziabad who handled stock data at the Yamuna Vihar dispensary. Cops suspect Mithun tampered with the records to conceal the pilferage,’’ said an investigating officer.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

As per readily available information, on date, category-wise Central Government employees waiting for allotment of Government accommodation in Delhi under the Directorate of Estates is as per Annexure-I. The year upto which employees have been allotted Government accommodation is shown as per Annexure-II.

It is not possible to indicate definite time by which employees in the waiting list are likely to be allotted accommodation as it is dependent on completion of ongoing Government housing projects that may be taken up in future, as well as new organisations/employees becoming eligible for general pool accommodation.

ANNEXURE-I

(i) Categorywise – Number of Persons Waiting for Allotment as on Date (7.12.2009) in Delhi

ANNEXURE-II
(b) The year upto which employees have been allotted Government accommodation in Delhi:

In Type I to Type IV the Waiting List is based on Date of Joining in Government Service and following is the Date of Joining upto which allotments have been made in different Types as on 30.11.2009

Type Date of Joining
I- 19.10.2009
II- 15.03.1993
III- 25.03.1991
IV- 09.10.1986
For Type 4 (Special) and above the Unified Waiting List is prepared on the basis of Basic Pay, Grade Pay, place in the warrant of precedence etc. and as such not dependent on any particular year.

This information was given by Shri Saugata Roy, Minister of State, Urban Development in reply to a question by Shri Maheshwar Hazari in Lok Sabha Today.

Subject:- Implementation of Government's decision on the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission regarding revision of pension of pensioners/family pensioners etc. - Grant of full pension to Government servants who retired on or after 01-01-2006.

The undersigned is directed to say that in pursuance of Government's decision on the recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission, orders were issued vide this Department's O.M. No.38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 2.9.2008 for introducing modifications in the rules regulating pension, Retirement/Death/Service Gratuity/Family Pension/ disability pension and ex-gratia lump-sum compensation. In accordance with para 5.2 and 5.3 of that OM, once a government servant becomes entitled to pension on completion of 20 years /10 years of qualifying service, he shall be paid pension at 50% of the emoluments received during the last 10 months, which ever is more beneficial to him. In terms of para 5.4 of the OM, these revised provisions have come into force w.e.f. 2.9.2008 and shall be applicable to Government servants retiring on or after that date. Subsequently, it was clarified vide O.M. No. 38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 11.12.2008 that pension of Government servant retiring on or after 1.1.2006 will also be calculated based on the emoluments or average emoluments
received during the last 10 months, whichever is more beneficial to him but his pension would continue to be proportionate to the pension on completion of 33 years of qualifying service. Para 5.4 of this Department's O.M. No.38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 2.9.2008 was modified to that extent.

This matter has been reconsidered by the Government. In partial modification of the instructions/order issued in this respect, it has now been decided that linkage of full pension with 33 years of qualifying service shall be dispensed with, with effect from 1.1.2006 instead of 2.9.2008. The revised provisions for calculation of pension in para 5.2 and 5.3 of the OM No.38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 2.9.2008 shall come into force with effect from 1.1.2006 and shall be applicable to the Government Servants retired/retiring after that date. Para 5.4 will further stand modified to that extent.

Consequent upon the above revised provisions, in partial modification of para 7.1 of the OM No.38/37/01-P&PW(A) dated 2.9.08, the extant benefit of adding years of qualifying service for the purpose of computation of pension and gratuity shall stand withdrawn with effect from 1.1.2006.

The overall calculation may take into account revised gratuity and revised pension, including arrears up to date of revision based on these instructions. However, no recoveries would be made in the cases already settled.

It is impressed upon all the Ministries/Departments of the Government of India to keep in view the above modifications/clarifications while disposing of the cases of revision of pension. They are also advised to dispose of the representations received by them from pensioners on the above issues without referring the same to this Department.

This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) vide their U.O.No.375/EV/2009 dated 19.11.2009.

In their application to the employees of the Indian Audit and Accounts Departments, these orders issue in consultation with the Comptroller & Auditor General of India.

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